Ionisation smoke alarm
The Technical Handbook – Domestic, published by Scottish Ministers to provide guidance on the building regulations suggests there are 4 main types of fire detector used in dwellings:
- Optical smoke alarms.
- Ionisation smoke alarms.
- Multi sensor alarms.
- Heat alarms.
It is important that the right type of fire detector is used for different situations, as false alarms can result in occupants disabling fire detection and fire alarm systems.
The most common causes of false alarms are:
Ionisation smoke alarms operate on the principle that the electrical current flowing between electrodes in an ionisation chamber is reduced when smoke particles enter the chamber.
Ionisation smoke alarms are more sensitive to smoke containing small particles such as rapidly burning flaming fires but are less sensitive to steam. As a result of this, they are recommended for use in hallways and stairwells adjacent to bathrooms or shower rooms to reduce the number of unwanted false alarms.
Ionisation smoke alarms should conform to BS EN 14604: 2005 - Smoke Alarm Devices.
Characterising smoke from modern materials and evaluating smoke detectors was written by Raman Chagger and published by BRE in 2014 states that:
| Ionisation detectors use a small radioactive source (americium-241) inside an ionisation chamber that contains charged electrodes. The chamber is arranged to allow a flow of air from outside. As the air enters it becomes ionized, generating an electric current between the charged electrodes. When smoke particles pass into the chamber the ions become attached to them and are carried away, leading to a reduction in the current. More ions are stripped away when there are many small particles, such as those generated during flaming fires. When a material is smouldering it tends to produce fewer but larger particles than it does when in flames. As these cause less current reduction, ionisation detectors are inherently less responsive to the large smoke particles generated during smouldering fires. |
Ref https://files.bregroup.com/research/Test-Fires-Characterisation_2014-November.pdf
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Carbon monoxide.
- Carbon monoxide detector.
- Characterising smoke from modern materials and evaluating smoke detectors.
- Domestic smoke alarms DG525.
- Fire detection and alarm system.
- Fire detector.
- Fire.
- Fire fatalities in Scotland.
- Heat alarm.
- Multi-sensor alarm.
- New requirements for fire detection and alarm network systems IP 12 13.
- Optical smoke alarm.
- Over £1 billion lost every year due to false alarms.
- Smoke detection in high ceiling spaces.
- Smoke detector.
- The causes of false fire alarms in buildings.
Featured articles and news
Shortage of high-quality data threatening the AI boom
And other fundamental issues highlighted by the Open Data Institute.
Data centres top the list of growth opportunities
In robust, yet heterogenous world BACS market.
Increased funding for BSR announced
Within plans for next generation of new towns.
New Towns Taskforce interim policy statement
With initial reactions to the 6 month policy update.
Heritage, industry and slavery
Interpretation must tell the story accurately.
PM announces Building safety and fire move to MHCLG
Following recommendations of the Grenfell Inquiry report.
Conserving the ruins of a great Elizabethan country house.
BSRIA European air conditioning market update 2024
Highs, lows and discrepancy rates in the annual demand.
50 years celebrating the ECA Apprenticeship Awards
As SMEs say the 10 years of the Apprenticeship Levy has failed them.
Nominations sought for CIOB awards
Celebrating construction excellence in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
EPC consultation in context: NCM, SAP, SBEM and HEM
One week to respond to the consultation on reforms to the Energy Performance of Buildings framework.
CIAT Celebrates 60 years of Architectural Technology
Find out more #CIAT60 social media takeover.
The BPF urges Chancellor for additional BSR resources
To remove barriers and bottlenecks which delay projects.
Flexibility over requirements to boost apprentice numbers
English, maths and minimumun duration requirements reduced for a 10,000 gain.
A long term view on European heating markets
BSRIA HVAC 2032 Study.
Humidity resilience strategies for home design
Frequency of extreme humidity events is increasing.
National Apprenticeship Week 2025
Skills for life : 10-16 February